Sarah Ashlee Barker's record-setting performance not enough as Alabama falls to Maryland in 2nd Round

Sarah Ashlee Barker put Alabama on her back and scored a program record 45 points, but it wasn't enough as Alabama fell 111-108 in double overtime to Maryland in the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament to keep that elusive Sweet 16 berth away from the Crimson Tide for at least another year.

Alabama blew a 17-point third quarter lead and allowed Maryland to tie the game and go to overtime. It has been 27 years since the Crimson Tide made it to the Sweet 16 of the women's tournament and this was their best chance to get there yet.

Before the end of regulation, both Zaay Green and Aaliyah Nye fouled out, leaving Barker to carry the full offensive load. She very nearly led the Tide to the Promised Land by herself.

Trailing 96-93 near the end of the first overtime, Barker got fouled on a three-point attempt with less than one second to play. She stepped up to the line, with all the pressure in the world on her, and drained three straight free throws in what should be forever remembered as one of the iconic moments in Alabama history.

Those clutch free throws, even in defeat, stand alongside Alex Reese's three-pointer to tie the Men's team with UCLA at the end of regulation in the Sweet 16 back in 2021.

Two sequences really stood out for the Crimson Tide in the 4th quarter as the big lead evaporated. Alabama had two separate 2-on-1 sequences with Barker and Nye. On the first, Barker missed a layup instead of kicking to an open Nye in the corner. The next time, she made the pass to Nye in the corner, but Nye's three-pointer was off target.

This was the best season for Alabama women's basketball in more than two decades. The disappointment will wear off from this loss and Kristy Curry and company will move forward. She has elevated this program to heights it didn't feel like they would reach again.

There will be significant roster turnover next season for Curry. Barker, Nye, and Green - the team's three leading scorers - are all seniors and will be moving on.

There will be talent returning to Tuscaloosa and Curry signed a highly regarded recruiting class with four Top 100 recruits led by Ace Austin, the No. 1 player in the state.

This loss stings and will linger for a while, but brighter days remain ahead for Curry and this program as she continues to build something sustainable.